Unhappy with the shape of your nose? Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andre Panossian in Pasadena, Los Angeles excels in improving facial balance. Patients trust his expertise for beautifully refined noses that enhance their overall appearance.
- Rhinoplasty Surgery Explained
- Unlock Confidence and Balance with Dr. Panossian in Los Angeles
- Variations of Rhinoplasty
- Conditions treated by Rhinoplasty
- Revision Rhinoplasty
- Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty in Pasadena?
- What to Expect at a Rhinoplasty Consultation
- How to Prepare for Rhinoplasty Surgery
- The Rhinoplasty Surgery
- Recovering from a Rhinoplasty
- Rhinoplasty Post-operative Instructions
- Potential Risks and Side Effects of Rhinoplasty
- Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty Surgery Explained
A rhinoplasty, often referred to as a “nose job,” is plastic surgery designed to change the projection, size, and shape of the nose for cosmetic or functional purposes. For patients, a nose job can have both physical and emotional benefits.
Because the nose is almost always visible, self-consciousness often begins in adolescence. A prominent nose is typically genetic, and the trait is passed down from one generation to the next. In other cases, trauma or disease may have altered the nose.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most transformative procedures in cosmetic medicine, and changes by the millimeter can dramatically improve a person’s looks.
Unlock Confidence and Balance with Dr. Panossian in Los Angeles
Choosing rhinoplasty with the skilled surgeon Dr. Panossian can significantly change a patient’s self-perception, especially in an image-conscious locale like Los Angeles. Whether addressing a crooked nose or other nasal deformity or aiming for subtler refinements, this transformative procedure promises undeniable benefits tailored to your cosmetic goals.
Correcting Imperfections
Transform crooked nose, nasal hump, or other cosmetic concerns. Attain a natural appearance.
Confidence Renewed
No more mirror avoidance. Embrace a face that radiates self-assurance.
Beyond Aesthetics
Address nasal deformities and enhance breathing. Experience health and beauty combined.
Rhinoplasty Before-and-After Pictures
Patient Example #1: This patient underwent open rhinoplasty to correct a severely deviated nose and septum as well as heavy correction of the dorsal hump and hanging tip. Smiling preop shows excessive tethering of the tip with worsening droop. All deformities were corrected with improvement of breathing due to correction of a severely deviated septum.
Patient Example #2: This patient underwent closed rhinoplasty to straighten the nose, reduce the dorsal hump, and refine the tip. Nasal airway obstruction was also addressed. Swelling in the tip may take 1-2 years to resolve. Check out the rhinoplasty Before and After photo gallery to see additional views of this patient.
Variations of Rhinoplasty
A skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Panossian, offers a wide range of rhinoplasty procedures, correcting structural defects and enhancing natural beauty. Each technique is meticulously adapted to unveil the individual’s best features.
Functional Rhinoplasty
In cases of functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty, a plastic surgeon can correct breathing difficulties or other functional issues caused by a deviated septum. This occurs when the cartilage and bone that separates the nasal passages is crooked or uneven, leading to decreased air intake and irregular mucus drainage through the affected nostril.
In more severe cases, a deviated septum may affect both nostrils. Deviated septum repair is generally covered by insurance because it is performed to improve the function of the nose. If it is performed alongside cosmetic rhinoplasty, generally only the functional portion of the surgery is covered.
Cleft Lip Rhinoplasty
Cleft lip rhinoplasty is part of a cleft palate repair surgery. The condition is apparent at birth and occurs with the improper formation of the roof of the mouth which can expand to the lip and nose. The nose may be affected by this split and can often be repaired through surgery.
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
In some cases, surgery may not be necessary for the doctor to create minor adjustments in the nose. During a non-surgical or liquid rhinoplasty, the doctor can inject dermal fillers under the skin to disguise a hooked nose or dorsal hump, correct most asymmetry, fill in dips, and create a straighter-looking nose.
The doctor may also be able to balance a wide nose by adding fillers to the chin, creating more facial harmony from a profile perspective. Fillers are not a permanent solution and must be repeated every year or so to maintain results.
Gender-Specific Rhinoplasty
Female rhinoplasty and male rhinoplasty are performed with consideration to a person’s apparent or preferred gender characteristics. A broader nose can appear more masculine while a refined, sleeker look is generally considered for a feminine nose. The doctor adjusts his nasal reshaping techniques to create the aesthetic that most appeal to his patients.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
During this version of the surgical procedure, the doctor improves the look of the nose but takes special care to ensure that the new nose appears in harmony with the patient’s ethnic identity and facial features. An ethnic nose job may require more subtle corrections for this reason.
Conditions treated by Rhinoplasty
Dr. Panossian’s rhinoplasty expertise not only refines aesthetics but also corrects various nasal conditions. Through his skilled intervention, patients achieve both functional improvements and desired beauty enhancements.
- Nasal obstructions
- Crooked nose
- Saddle nose deformity
- Deviated nasal septum
- Asymmetric or wide nostrils
- Pollybeak nose
- Dorsal hump
- Droopy or bulbous nasal tip
- Nasal valve collapse
- Upturned nose
- Birth deformities
Revision Rhinoplasty Before-and-After Pictures
Patient Example #3: This patient has a history of cleft lip and palate nose deformity. She was unhappy with two previous rhinoplasty efforts. She underwent an extensive revision rhinoplasty using an open technique to reshape the tip of her nose and remove her bulbosity. In addition, the tip was lengthened slightly to give better proportion to the entire nose. Sometimes, due to depletion of cartilage inside the nose, a rib cartilage graft must be used as in this case.
Patient Example #4: This patient underwent closed rhinoplasty to straighten the nose, reduce the dorsal hump, correct the septum, and slightly refine the tip. The result was improvement of nasal shape and symmetry without losing his masculine appearance. This is the importance of male rhinoplasty. Incisions were placed inside the nose (endonasal rhinoplasty), leaving no visible scarring.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Unfortunately, revision rhinoplasty has become a common procedure in the world of plastic surgery. Often, patients have been subjected to aggressive or inaccurate previous surgeries which, in many cases, leave them with deformities and breathing issues. Revision rhinoplasty, or secondary rhinoplasty, is a challenging procedure performed after an earlier facial plastic procedure produced subpar results, or if there was additional damage to the nose during or after the procedure.
An inexperienced plastic surgeon may unintentionally create unwanted changes, or unpredictable courses of healing can occasionally lead to the development of visible scar tissue. The anatomy of the nose is very intricate, and since cartilage does not house any blood supply, the healing times are extended beyond most other cosmetic procedures.
After experiencing poor results, patients may choose to request a revision surgery, often from a second doctor with more experience in this complex procedure.
In these cases, Dr. Panossian will often use an open rhinoplasty technique to reshape the nose and may even require cartilage grafts. Patients come from various parts of the world to have the rhinoplasty expert, Dr. Panossian, perform these difficult cases.
Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty in Pasadena?
Ideal candidates for a rhinoplasty procedure will be able to answer “yes” to the following questions:
- Do I think a more attractive nose would improve my self-esteem?
- Am I physically and mentally healthy enough to undergo the surgery?
- Do I have realistic expectations of the changes that can be achieved?
The doctor reviews each person’s candidacy on a case by case basis. Pregnant women, those battling cancer or another serious health condition, and people with active infections may need to postpone rhinoplasty. It is rare, however, that a person is permanently ineligible for a Pasadena rhinoplasty.
What to Expect at a Rhinoplasty Consultation
Prospective patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Panossian to discuss their desire for a nose job in Los Angeles at Andre Panossian MD Plastic Surgery, conveniently located in north-central LA.
The doctor will review the patient’s paperwork to determine if they are healthy enough for the procedure. He will then go over the patient’s aesthetic goals and make treatment recommendations. In some cases, Dr. Panossian may recommend alternative procedures or suggest additional surgeries or treatments based on the patient’s aesthetic preferences and individual anatomy.
Dr. Panossian can create a preliminary treatment plan and describe the two main rhinoplasty techniques: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty requires an incision in the columella, which is the exterior nasal skin that divides the two nostrils. It can result in a small but hidden scar.
In the closed rhinoplasty approach, the doctor accesses the nose cartilage and bone internally through the nostrils and incisions made inside. The patient’s goals and nasal structure can help Dr. Panossian determine which technique to recommend.
How to Prepare for Rhinoplasty Surgery
Each patient is unique and individual results may vary*.
Before patients can undergo a rhinoplasty procedure in Pasadena, they must follow Dr. Panossian’s pre-surgical preparation steps. He may require imaging of the sinuses, records, and approval from the patient’s primary care physician, and/or request lab work. Patient safety is of primary concern during an elective procedure.
Rhinoplasty patients should also fill any prescriptions written for the surgery in advance. After surgery, Dr. Panossian might request that patients take medications to control inflammation and swelling, prevent infection, and mitigate any post-surgical discomfort.
Hand sanitizer should be purchased to help the patient keep their hands clean while resting after surgery. Straws are also a good item to purchase because drink glasses and containers can bump the nose, and tilting the head backward can cause fluid to drain down the throat.
Because patients will have some downtime after surgery, they should take at least a week off from their regular schedules and prepare their recovery area in advance. Clean bedding and clothing, along with adequate pillows for keeping the head elevated, can be prepared in the days leading up to the surgery.
Whether a patient is local or travels to Pasadena to undergo a rhinoplasty, they should arrange for a ride to and from the surgery, and schedule a home caretaker for the first postsurgical 12 hours. Preparing meals in advance will ensure the patient has healthy food available throughout the recovery time.
Patients should discontinue or decrease the dosage of certain medications, as instructed by Dr. Panossian, and should not eat for at least 12 hours prior to the rhinoplasty. They should shower the day of the surgery and may be provided with a special antimicrobial soap to use on their skin. Appointment-day attire should include a loose top that can be easily zipped or buttoned on and off to avoid impacting the nose.
The Rhinoplasty Surgery
Each patient is unique and individual results may vary*.
Rhinoplasty is performed at an accredited surgical center in Pasadena. The details of the surgical plan will be determined prior to the surgery date. Dr. Panossian meets with patients before the surgery to discuss their desired changes and explain his approach. He may use a surgical marker to create a plan to follow once the surgery begins.
Patients will also meet other members of the surgical team which might include an anesthesiologist and specialty nurses. Once Dr. Panossian and his team are ready to begin, the patient will be anesthetized in a comfortable sleep for the duration of the rhinoplasty procedure.
Recovering from a Rhinoplasty
On the day of the surgery, patients are discharged once the anesthesia is reversed and they are fully awake. They must have a ride to take them home or to their hotel room to recover. They may feel groggy for the next 24 hours. When sleeping, postoperative rhinoplasty patients are asked to use pillows to prop themselves up to a 45-degree angle so gravity can help control nasal swelling in the first week.
Patients should take a week off work or other regular activities, and should not exercise or do other strenuous activities that raise their heart rate for 6 weeks. Most patients do not need pain medication or other comfort measures like a cold compress beyond the first week. The nose will change most dramatically during this time.
Special considerations may apply to some patients. After surgery, wearing glasses is discouraged. They may need to be taped up on the forehead with medical tape or otherwise held away from the nasal bridge.
Nerves are temporarily affected and may cause an itching sensation in the nose. Patients should not scratch the nose to avoid affecting the still malleable structure or sutures but may be able to use a cotton swab instead. Because patients must refrain from blowing or sniffing for one week, tissues for any fluid drips are good to keep nearby.
At the end of the initial healing period, patients will need to return to Dr. Panossian’s office for a routine post-procedural checkup and to have their nasal packing, cast, or sutures removed. Depending on when the postsurgical rhinoplasty appointment is scheduled, patients may require transportation to Dr. Panossian’s Pasadena, CA office.
Though the majority of the swelling and bruising will subside in a week or two, it can be a full 18 months until the final results of the nose surgery are visible. The extended period of recovery from surgery is the result of limited blood flow to the area and the intricate structures of the nose. The nasal bones, along with the cartilage, are the major supports of the nose and will determine its final form.
Rhinoplasty Post-operative Instructions
The following is a set of instructions given to Dr. Panossian’s patients after rhinoplasty. Dr. Panossian may modify the instructions as needed for each patient.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Rhinoplasty
The procedure should be performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon to avoid getting a bad nose job and achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. Risks can be minimized, but not fully eliminated, due to varying circumstances. Risks may include:
- Bruising and swelling
- Tingling sensations
- Pain and discomfort
- Nasal congestion
- Infection
- An undesirable outcome
- Permanent tissue damage
- Need for revision rhinoplasty
Why Should Dr. Panossian Perform My Rhinoplasty?
Pasadena rhinoplasty is performed by renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andre Panossian, who is known internationally for his work. Having trained both in the United States and France, the plastic surgery expert is uniquely qualified and is skilled in advanced concepts practiced in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty
Last modified by Dr. Andre Panossian
